Google, Mumbai police launch internet safety campaign

MUMBAI: Google India has launched a national internet safety campaign called Be NetSmart in collaboration with the Mumbai Police. The campaign was launched in Mumbai on 18 February. Since then, Mumbai Police and Google have already reached nearly 15,000 students, 300 teachers, and 30 schools with the Be NetSmart message and eventually aim to educate over 25,000 students in the city.

Be NetSmart is an interactive campaign focused on students in sixth standard and above. The sessions in schools cover topics that range from maintaining confidentiality and not interacting with strangers online to tips on downloading content, posting pictures, online chatting etc. In addition to students, parents and teachers are also being educated on internet awareness and the need to be involved with children.

In the last few weeks, Mumbai police and Google employee volunteers have visited English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Urdu-medium schools in Mumbai to conduct this campaign.

Google India managing director Shailesh Rao said, "Nowhere in the world is the idea that young people are the future truer than in India, so it is critical to empower our youth with all the tools that will help them build a better life. The internet is feeding the curiosity of youth—encouraging them to ask new questions and to expand the boundaries of their knowledge. The Be NetSmart campaign is a step towards ensuring their safety online, while they continue to explore limitless possibilities."

"Ensuring the safety of children online requires a collaborative effort on the part of parents, teachers, authorities and service providers. This campaign is one such collaborative effort. Google and Mumbai Police are aiming to reach out to students to educate them about Internet security. It is vital to remember that the Internet is here to stay. It is our job to teach our kids to be safe and smart," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement) Sanjay Mohite.

With an ambitious plan to replicate the success in Mumbai across the country, Google India is in talks with police organizations in cities across India about forging partnerships to together educate students, teachers, and parents in the local communities.